I'm giving myself the greatest wife award this week.
Last week was Gene's birthday. As a gift, I gave him tickets to the Carolina game that weekend. I got three so we could make it a family deal. He worked out plans to tailgate with some of his friends. We got up Saturday morning, loaded up and headed to Columbia.
We knew when we got there that we would have to park in general admission parking. We tried to get as close to the tailgate as we could. I told the boys I can walk as long as they need me to, I just don't walk that fast anymore. We weren't in any hurry, so that was good.
We hung out at the tailgate for a while, till it was time for the game to start. We headed with the crowd to the stadium. Again, not going very fast, but moving. I let them wander ahead and I kept my eye on them.
Then it came time to go into the stadium. I knew we had upper deck tickets (I was the one who bought them), so I knew of the upcoming suffering. The security guard at the gate complimented my organized bag and took the time to tell me about the First Aid services they have and that if I needed anything at all I should stop in.
Our tickets were scanned and thus began the uphill climb for the 31 (almost 32) week pregnant lady. Stair after stair, I climbed my way up. Not moving fast, but getting there. Holding on to the handrail and looking at each step as I took it. I tried to block everything else out and just focus on the task. I did hear a boy tell a girl he was with that if I could do this, so could she. 8 flights later, I made it to the landing.
At this point I'm completely out of breath and I have to pee. I make a bee line to the bathroom. There is no energy to hover. I take a good look, ok, all clean, and plop. I sit for a few minutes to catch my breath. The huffing and puffing must have sounded interesting from outside the stall.
I shimmied up my sweaty maternity shorts and set out to climb to our seats. (row 26). I knew once I was up there, I wasn't coming down until we were done. I was excited to get to our seats and sit for a while, but as soon as we got there it was time to stand for the prayer, and the national anthem.
I did the right thing and I stood up. It was parents day, and the prayer included mentions of family and parenthood. Gene gave me big side hug, and let me lean on him. I wanted to tear up, but I was too exhausted too.
We survived till the 4th quarter and then we started to make the trek back. Going down stairs is much easier than going up! 8 flights down was a breeze, I just had to fight the masses back to the tailgate.
We hung out long enough to give my legs a rest and then we made it the rest of the way to the car. Then I did the nice thing and I drove home (you know, since I was sober!). I was exhausted, but it made Gene the happiest man in the world.
Once we got home, I showered and immediately collapsed in to the bed. I don't know if going to a college football game at 31 weeks was my smartest decision, but I'm glad we got to go. We haven't been to a Carolina game in years, and who knows how hard it will be next year. I certainly wouldn't do it again this year!
Just seeing Gene at his Alma Mater, happy as a clam, sharing the experience with his family made it all worth it.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Squash
How far along: 32
How big is baby: The size of a squash now. Some round, orange looking thing. I don't really know my different squashes. 15-16 inches; 2.5-3.8 pounds!
Craving: Nothing has changed there. Sweets, ice cream, doughnuts. All the stuff I probably shouldn't eat.
Movement: She must have been going through a growth spurt because she's been quiet lately. Yesterday was the first day in a few that she was bopping around. I try not to worry, but its very hard. As long as I feel a little something, I tell myself its ok. I will clarify tomorrow with the doctor what I should expect and when I should be concerned.
Labor Signs: I don't know if I've had anymore Braxton Hicks. I've felt like my tummy got firm, but its centralized, usually around where her feet are, so she might just be pushing outward.
How big is baby: The size of a squash now. Some round, orange looking thing. I don't really know my different squashes. 15-16 inches; 2.5-3.8 pounds!
Total weight gain: I'll find out tomorrow at my check up!
Maternity clothes: Ugh. I think my elastic waist pants are giving up the fight. I'm fighting crackage every day. They don't want to stay up around the belly. My tank tops are also not quite long enough, so they don't stay tucked. Its gonna be a long 8 weeks.
Sleep: Its harder to roll over now. Its becoming a production to switch from side to side!
Best moment this week: Seeing Abby again at the ultrasound. She still wasn't the most cooperative, but the tech was so nice to keep trying. I wanted to bust out in the ugly cry, but JJ was there and I didn't want to scare him. She's precious in every way. I can't believe that's my miracle.
Gender: Girl, confirmed once again.
Maternity clothes: Ugh. I think my elastic waist pants are giving up the fight. I'm fighting crackage every day. They don't want to stay up around the belly. My tank tops are also not quite long enough, so they don't stay tucked. Its gonna be a long 8 weeks.
Sleep: Its harder to roll over now. Its becoming a production to switch from side to side!
Best moment this week: Seeing Abby again at the ultrasound. She still wasn't the most cooperative, but the tech was so nice to keep trying. I wanted to bust out in the ugly cry, but JJ was there and I didn't want to scare him. She's precious in every way. I can't believe that's my miracle.
Gender: Girl, confirmed once again.
Craving: Nothing has changed there. Sweets, ice cream, doughnuts. All the stuff I probably shouldn't eat.
Movement: She must have been going through a growth spurt because she's been quiet lately. Yesterday was the first day in a few that she was bopping around. I try not to worry, but its very hard. As long as I feel a little something, I tell myself its ok. I will clarify tomorrow with the doctor what I should expect and when I should be concerned.
Labor Signs: I don't know if I've had anymore Braxton Hicks. I've felt like my tummy got firm, but its centralized, usually around where her feet are, so she might just be pushing outward.
Belly Button in or out: Its in. I think its gonna stay in.
Stretch marks: None!
What I am looking forward to: My shower is in two weeks! My mom is coming up too, so it will be good to spend some time with her. This will be the last time she sees me before Abby arrives.
Milestones: The 4D ultrasound was this weeks milestone. I'm so glad we did it. Just to see her little face. Her eyes, nose, mouth. I can't wait to see it in person. I just want to kiss those little cheeks. I'm getting more and more excited as the days go on. I need it to slow down though because its all happening way to fast. I can't believe I just have 8 more weeks to go!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Making memories
I love to bake. I think I like the mixing and concocting. Its like a science experiment. And I like science.
Last night JJ and I hit the kitchen to bake Gene a birthday cake. JJ loves to bake as much as I do. I have to remember that. I use it as my outlet sometimes, and sometimes I have to remember that its as much about being with him as it is being for me.
I showed him the recipe and we began gathering the ingredients. He would name it and I would tell him where to find it.
Then we started reading the instructions. Line by line he would read to me what it said. We would find the ingredient. Then I would ask him how much of it we needed (while looking over his shoulder to make sure he said the right thing). Then he would measure. We enjoyed the math lesson. Dividing 3/4 into a something we could use with the cups that we had.
He's still skirmish about breaking the eggs. I still do that part.
He got a good giggle when the dry ingredients puffed up into his face. Then we scrambled to clean up the floor before Gene could see the mess we made.
He decided that he wanted to invent a beater that the batter wouldn't stick to. I thought that was a genius idea.
He watched me carefully spoon the batter in to the pan. And when I asked him to help me by opening the oven, he proclaimed that it was hot and he wasn't going to touch it!
I love taking the time to stop and see things how they see it. I know its going to be so much fun when Abby comes along. I'm new to all this baby stuff. JJ was 4 when we started hanging out, so I've got a few years to go before I feel comfortable knowing what I'm doing. Although I don't think you can ever know what you are doing when it comes to parenting!
Last night JJ and I hit the kitchen to bake Gene a birthday cake. JJ loves to bake as much as I do. I have to remember that. I use it as my outlet sometimes, and sometimes I have to remember that its as much about being with him as it is being for me.
I showed him the recipe and we began gathering the ingredients. He would name it and I would tell him where to find it.
Then we started reading the instructions. Line by line he would read to me what it said. We would find the ingredient. Then I would ask him how much of it we needed (while looking over his shoulder to make sure he said the right thing). Then he would measure. We enjoyed the math lesson. Dividing 3/4 into a something we could use with the cups that we had.
He's still skirmish about breaking the eggs. I still do that part.
He got a good giggle when the dry ingredients puffed up into his face. Then we scrambled to clean up the floor before Gene could see the mess we made.
He decided that he wanted to invent a beater that the batter wouldn't stick to. I thought that was a genius idea.
He watched me carefully spoon the batter in to the pan. And when I asked him to help me by opening the oven, he proclaimed that it was hot and he wasn't going to touch it!
I love taking the time to stop and see things how they see it. I know its going to be so much fun when Abby comes along. I'm new to all this baby stuff. JJ was 4 when we started hanging out, so I've got a few years to go before I feel comfortable knowing what I'm doing. Although I don't think you can ever know what you are doing when it comes to parenting!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Take 2
Mt. Dew isn't all that bad. Not my drink of choice. It did seem to get Abby moving a little, but I really think she's in a growth spurt and she's just content to be still. I guess highly active to me, is not much by the standards.
She's still breech. And she still has her hands and feet up at her face. The sonographer theorized that her hands are most likely there to protect herself from her feet. She doesn't like the kicking, so she is guarding herself. I think that's pretty ingenious of the little one. I wouldn't like getting kicked in the face either! See exhibit A below. Foot in Face.
I can't wait to meet her. I just hope she can get her act together and turn around. Although, I am worried that she won't. The sonographer explained that the uterus is like a balloon. So right now, she's content with her head up because there is more room. She suggested acupuncture and a chiropractor to help turn her. She said a chiro can adjust the pelvic muscles, giving her a little more space. I already know my pelvic muscles are extremely tight. She might be hiding out in this position because she just won't fit any other way.
We will have to wait and see. I'm ok with her coming out any way she can. Although I always imagined a vaginal delivery. But I guess one more trip to the OR can't hurt me. I just want her to be healthy, so we can all be happy.
I'm on breech baby watch now. 8 weeks and 5 days to get it together.
She's still breech. And she still has her hands and feet up at her face. The sonographer theorized that her hands are most likely there to protect herself from her feet. She doesn't like the kicking, so she is guarding herself. I think that's pretty ingenious of the little one. I wouldn't like getting kicked in the face either! See exhibit A below. Foot in Face.
The sonographer gave us more than the time we should have gotten. She was very patient. She tried her hardest, but Abby just wasn't into it. I'm happy with the photos we got. You can see her face. Her eyes, her nose, her little lips. (Gene is concerned that she will have a huge nose.)
I loved seeing her taking breaths and moving around (even though it was just a little bit). It was just surreal to lay there and look at her. I watched the DVD replay of it this morning and I'm still in awe. I think she's the most beautiful baby in the world.
We will have to wait and see. I'm ok with her coming out any way she can. Although I always imagined a vaginal delivery. But I guess one more trip to the OR can't hurt me. I just want her to be healthy, so we can all be happy.
I'm on breech baby watch now. 8 weeks and 5 days to get it together.
Is it just me
Gene and I attended the Prepared Childbirth Class this Saturday. It was a one day class to go over the expectations of labor and delivery.
I feel like I have a lot of knowledge about what's going to go on during the process. I've done my fair share of reading. Both books and the Internet. I do have some extra time on my hands during the day, but I feel that even if I didn't, I would still be all over researching what's going on. Its just my nature. I need to know, and I need to know now. And thankfully, technology has given me that!
It amazed me that most of our classmates hadn't really done any research. They seemed to be clueless in the entire process. I tried to bite my tongue. When the teacher asked a question, I tried not to seem like the know it all. (Even though I knew all the answers). It was also frustrating to go in circles with questions, and listen to the same ones being asked again and again. I credit the instructor for her patience with these questions.
I did get some things out of the class. It was good to go over what a birth plan is and what the doctors and nurses really need to know. I was most looking forward to the tour, which of course happened at the end. But I now know where to go when we get there and what types of rooms we can expect to be in.
We've got two more classes to attend. A breastfeeding class and a "What to do with the baby when you get home" class. I'm hesitant, but excited to see how these classes go!
I feel like I have a lot of knowledge about what's going to go on during the process. I've done my fair share of reading. Both books and the Internet. I do have some extra time on my hands during the day, but I feel that even if I didn't, I would still be all over researching what's going on. Its just my nature. I need to know, and I need to know now. And thankfully, technology has given me that!
It amazed me that most of our classmates hadn't really done any research. They seemed to be clueless in the entire process. I tried to bite my tongue. When the teacher asked a question, I tried not to seem like the know it all. (Even though I knew all the answers). It was also frustrating to go in circles with questions, and listen to the same ones being asked again and again. I credit the instructor for her patience with these questions.
I did get some things out of the class. It was good to go over what a birth plan is and what the doctors and nurses really need to know. I was most looking forward to the tour, which of course happened at the end. But I now know where to go when we get there and what types of rooms we can expect to be in.
We've got two more classes to attend. A breastfeeding class and a "What to do with the baby when you get home" class. I'm hesitant, but excited to see how these classes go!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Parental Sacrifies
You would do anything for your child, right? This afternoon is take 2 of the 4D ultrasound. The tech suggested I drink from Mt. Dew before I come. I had Mt. Dew once, back in 90 something, I didn't really care for it. I haven't had it since. But given that she highly recommended it, I thought I could give it a try.
After all, I drank that glucose drink twice!
I start drinking soon. I'm afraid to time it wrong. I don't want to over stimulate her and then have her crash, but yet I don't want her to be not stimulated yet. This all feels so weird to do to get some pictures.
If she's anything like me (which we already know she can be), she will be hyped up. In high school, my friends thought it was fun to watch me drink something call, Surge. It was Mt. Dew like. Pretty much all caffiene and sugar. I would be bouncing off the walls. My usual quiet and complacent behaviors were gone when I drank that. I haven't had Surge since high school, and I haven't had full caffeine and sugar since I got pregnant.
This could be an interesting experiement. I just hope I can be at home when its time to crash and burn!
Wish us luck. Hopefully we'll get some prettier pictures this time. I'm nervous!
After all, I drank that glucose drink twice!
I start drinking soon. I'm afraid to time it wrong. I don't want to over stimulate her and then have her crash, but yet I don't want her to be not stimulated yet. This all feels so weird to do to get some pictures.
If she's anything like me (which we already know she can be), she will be hyped up. In high school, my friends thought it was fun to watch me drink something call, Surge. It was Mt. Dew like. Pretty much all caffiene and sugar. I would be bouncing off the walls. My usual quiet and complacent behaviors were gone when I drank that. I haven't had Surge since high school, and I haven't had full caffeine and sugar since I got pregnant.
This could be an interesting experiement. I just hope I can be at home when its time to crash and burn!
Wish us luck. Hopefully we'll get some prettier pictures this time. I'm nervous!
Carry On
My new favorite song is one by the group Fun. Its called Carry On.
Fun reminds me a lot of Queen. Its not popish, but not totally rockish, its somewhere in between. It makes me want to dance around in my seat. Its got great vocals with lots of added instrumental sounds. I grew up listening to Queen, so I guess that's what draws them to me.
I love the chorus of the song.
If you're lost and alone
Or you're sinking like a stone
Carry on
May your past be the sound
Of your feet upon the ground
Carry on
If there is one thing I can pass on to Abby (and JJ), its not to give up on your dreams. No matter how low you are or how far away you feel from them, do not give up. Just keep going. I think that chorus reminds me to do that. You have to keep pressing on.
Its not always an easy thing to do. Both Abby and JJ wouldn't be a part of our lives had we not carried on. I could have easily given up at any point and said it just wasn't meant to be. But I knew it my heart it was, and I wasn't going to stop until my heart told me otherwise.
There were many times were I felt lost and alone. Many many times where I felt like I was sinking like a stone. But I'm very proud to have my past be the sound of my feet upon the ground.
Fun reminds me a lot of Queen. Its not popish, but not totally rockish, its somewhere in between. It makes me want to dance around in my seat. Its got great vocals with lots of added instrumental sounds. I grew up listening to Queen, so I guess that's what draws them to me.
I love the chorus of the song.
If you're lost and alone
Or you're sinking like a stone
Carry on
May your past be the sound
Of your feet upon the ground
Carry on
If there is one thing I can pass on to Abby (and JJ), its not to give up on your dreams. No matter how low you are or how far away you feel from them, do not give up. Just keep going. I think that chorus reminds me to do that. You have to keep pressing on.
Its not always an easy thing to do. Both Abby and JJ wouldn't be a part of our lives had we not carried on. I could have easily given up at any point and said it just wasn't meant to be. But I knew it my heart it was, and I wasn't going to stop until my heart told me otherwise.
There were many times were I felt lost and alone. Many many times where I felt like I was sinking like a stone. But I'm very proud to have my past be the sound of my feet upon the ground.
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